Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie
by Joel Stewart
Picture Corgi 2008
Great fit for 2nd grade
Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- friendship
- imagination
- cleverness
- courage
- kindness
- playfulness
- problem-solving
About this book
Dexter Bexley meets a gigantic blue Beastie who looks fearsome—but Dexter has other ideas. With quick thinking and a lot of imagination, he leads the Beastie from one zany activity to the next, turning a scary moment into playful fun. The lively, humorous text and bright illustrations make this a great read‑aloud for preschoolers and early elementary readers. Kids love the silly antics, rhythm, and the message that creativity and kindness can change the mood of any day.
Setting: a whimsical, contemporary make-believe world
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie right for my child?
Yes — Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie is a great fit for 2nd grade. The reading level is AR 2.8, which is typical for 2nd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include friendship, imagination, cleverness.
How long does it take to read Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie?
At a typical 2nd grade reading pace, Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie takes around 8m to finish. The book has 900 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie have an AR quiz?
Yes — Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie?
Dexter Bexley and the Big Blue Beastie has an AR reading level of 2.8, which places it at a 2nd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.